One of the central events that have happened around this area for as long as I can remember is the Free Fish Fry in Bath, Illinois. Though I’ve lived here most of my life I’ve only attended this event once and realizing that all the food was free was amazing.
This year marks the 107th FREE Fish Fry and the 175th anniversary of Bath, Illinois.
Key notes about Bath: Because it’s Illinois, Bath is associated with Abraham Lincoln simply because he surveyed the town. (I’m not kidding- any thing that Lincoln touched in Illinois is marked with a historical marker…) Bath if home of MLB’s pitcher Mark Clark and home of the annual Redneck Fishing Tournament- I can’t make that up. Yes, I said, REDNECK Fishing Tournament. You can use nets, bats, but not a fishing pole. The tournament is such a big deal that National Geographic has been down to cover the event. Check it.
Here’s the DL on Bath’s Fish Fry via their Facebook Page:
The 107th Annual Free Fish Fry and 175th Anniversary of Bath will be celebrated on Friday and
Saturday.
The free fish fry starts at 5 p.m. on Friday
Vendors will have crafts, collectibles, home decor, accessories and food. Food will include hot dogs, ice cream varieties by Stroh’s Ice Cream Castle, river fries, baked beans, BLS pork chops, and popcorn.
A car cruise-in organized by the Coachman Motor Club from Fulton County will start at 6 p.m. and be available until 8 p.m.
It will be followed by a presentation of the “Village of Bath In Retrospect”.
On Saturday, July 16, stands will open at noon and the Grand Parade, “Village of Bath In Retrospect”.
Participants of the parade should start registering by 1 p.m. at the ball diamond.
Free Fish starts at 5pm again on Saturdy.
M&K Parties will arrive with inflatables to start at 5 pm until 8pm. Wristbands for unlimited use will be available for $5.00 each.
Entertainment by Ernie Douglas and friends will be on hand from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the day. They are available for $1 each or six for $5. The drawing will be held at 9 p.m. Participants do not need to be present to win.
The 2011 edition of the Village of Bath history will be on sale Friday and Saturday in the park at $5 each.
The archives room at the Municipal/Community building will be open from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. The library will be open the same hours for visitors. Remember to sign the visitors’ register at the Archives. Drawing for the door prize will also be held at 9 p.m.
If you’re around this weekend take time to check it out. You’ll get a free meal!
